7. Charlotte Bobcats

Charlotte is Basketball Country. The Bobcats are making it known they are willing to move Stephen Jackson or Gerald Wallace, both wingmen with star quality. And the man in charge of the Bobcats is Michael Jordan … and who says “no’’ to MJ?

In theory, the Bobcats could acquire ‘Melo, increase their season-ticket base, increase their chances of postseason success … and then gain cap room when he likely departs following the season.

5. Houston Rockets

“Desperation’’ is the wrong word. Let’s call it “hunger.’’

The Rockets keep spinning their wheels in terms of talent acquisition – they picked up Kevin Martin last year but are being invited to consider trading him this year – and that factor, combined with the possible end of Yao Ming’s career, puts Houston in limbo.

The Rockets have a reputation for creative thinking, and they would have to be creative here.

At this moment, it seems that their focus continues to be “foundation-building’’ rather than superstar-acquiring, as they have been linked with interest in Marcin Gortat (who just shuffled from Orlando to Phoenix) and Brendan Haywood (Dallas’ underachieving backup center).

4. Chicago Bulls

The Bulls were hoping to be players in the LeBron Sweepstakes last summer. They eventually acquired Carlos Boozer to go along with Derrick Rose. But they need more.

Joakim Noah’s hand injury (he’s out for two months) means the Bulls need to find a way to stay afloat now. Chicago doesn’t have the assets to match offers from the likes of New Jersey. But Chicago is a big-market team (‘Melo’s wife LaLa, an entertainer, is attracted to that factor)

3. Dallas Mavericks

Dirk Nowitzki has been the face of the Mavericks for over 10 years. Batman needs a Robin.

Although the Mavericks have been able to put solid players around Dirk like Jason Kidd, Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood and Tyson Chandler, Carmelo is the perfect match.

Dallas may be at a disadvantage considering the bad blood between the two teams in the past couple of seasons.

That said, Dallas could put together some stellar trade packages with the depth it currently has.

In return, Denver wouldn’t get the young talent it would by trading for first-round picks with other teams. But the Nuggets wouldn’t find themselves with such of a setback, either. The Nuggets could still be a contender in the West if they can find a deal that gives them a few instant starters.

2. New Jersey Nets

Are the New Jersey Nets really a team that could land Carmelo? Absolutely. Reports are circling that the franchise wants to move to Brooklyn, a move that would make for a nice marriage with Carmelo Anthony.

The Nets also have a fresh bushel of first-round picks they can include in the trade. With the way New Jersey is playing, those picks can look mighty appealing.

With the possibility of New Jersey sending two of those picks plus say, Derrick Favors, next year Denver is back with two young studs to start rebuilding the franchise around someone else.

1. New York Knicks

Everyone knows that the Knicks have been eyeing Carmelo since last summer. Ever since LeBron gave New York the cold shoulder the focus has been getting a “Big Three” in New York. If they really wanted a Big Three, the dream combination would be Stoudamire, ‘Melo and Chris Paul.

Unfortunately for the Knicks, it seems as if the Hornets are getting the ball rolling down in New Orleans and CP3 has been rather quiet about wanting to move lately.

Once upon a time, ‘Melo supposedly made it known to the Nuggets that he will not sign a contract extension with any team, if he is traded, unless that team is the Knicks. So why would anyone trade away so much if it’s not promised that he will be there for years to come?

Carmelo is a Brooklyn native and will be on one of the biggest stages in sports at MSG 41 games every year.